Houllier fumes over Carew comments

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier launched a scathing attack on John Carew as their war of words intensified after a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Carew, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has taken offence at Houllier’s remarks about the Norway striker’s decision to delay announcing where his future lies.

The 31-year-old had been set to deputise for injured Emile Heskey at Craven Cottage on Saturday but he damaged a calf muscle in training and missed out.

Carew hit back before Saturday’s game by claiming Houllier had shown him a lack of respect.

“If he wants me to fight for a contract, he should speak to me directly and not through the media,” Carew said.

“This is disrespectful to me and to the fans who sing my name week in week out.”

And in a row that overshadowed Villa’s draw, Houllier responded again by labelling his striker “stupid”.

“I was told about his comments,” Houllier said. “I think he is stupid. How can he say that? I didn’t lack respect to him or anybody.

“Somebody asked me if it was a good chance for him and I said yes. What do you want me to say? No? I think John is living in the past at the moment.

“He should look at the figures, how long has he played and how many goals have we scored when he has been playing. I didn’t lack respect to him but in doing that, he is lacking respect to me.

“I don’t question his ability. I am not living in the past. We have been very unlucky with him with injury and illness. I know his ability.

“If he thinks that me saying yes is lacking respect, then I am not going to say sorry. I feel he should focus on the games, we are in difficulty at the moment.”

Villa should beaten Fulham after taking a 42nd minute lead through Marc Albrighton. But they squandered numerous chances before Fulham defender Brede Hangeland scored a last-gasp equaliser.

“The overall performance was good,” added Houllier. “We sometimes played very good football.

“I told the boys I am extremely unhappy with the result but the performance was outstanding in terms of effort and discipline and we had enough chances to seal the game.

“The only thing we could blame ourselves for was that we had the chances to finish it off.”

But Houllier, already without Carew and Heskey, will not be without captain Nigel Reo-Coker for at least three weeks with a knee injury collected in a clash with Jonathan Greening.